To the editor:

Include the following in the COVID-19 economic stimulus bill:

• Ensure nonprofits qualify for new small business loans and remove the Medicaid exclusion and 500-employee caps. Clarify that charitable nonprofits of all sizes are able to participate in the emergency Small Business Loan program by using the tax-law definition of charitable organizations (Sec. 501(c)(3) public charities). Remove the cap on the number of employees and the language excluding nonprofits from receiving Medicaid reimbursements.

• Increase funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program from the existing FY 2020 $125 million to $250 million to help people experiencing dire poverty to obtain rental and utility assistance and food aid.

• Temporarily increase the maximum SNAP benefit by 15% to respond to increased demand for food assistance.

• Increase funding to prevent further homelessness. Provide an additional $15 billion for McKinney-Vento Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) and $5 billion for short-term rental assistance, like the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP).

—Anita Lowe
Ferdinand